Tavares Panel Backs Housing Project

TAVARES — City planning and zoning board members have stamped their approval on a rezoning request that would allow development of a 360-unit housing project on the northside of Dead River Road.

On Wednesday, board members got a preliminary look at what developer Harold Holland has planned for 145 acres west of the intersection of Dead River Road and State Road 19. Holland, who also developed the Fox Run subdivision, plans to build 360 homes, an 18-hole public golf course with a clubhouse and spa, a sales center and restaurant.

Changing the zoning to a planned unit development would allow the developer to mix residential and commercial uses, said Tavares Planning Director George Dearborn. Also, the city would have more control over the project.

Several residents of Imperial Terrace West, which is adjacent to the proposed project, voiced initial concerns about stormwater retention and questioned whether Holland had plans to connect his roads with those in Imperial Terrace.

They also questioned whether a proposed boardwalk across a lagoon would cause environmental damage or prevent fishing at a favored spot.

However, the board was primarily concerned with the zoning request and said other issues, including the residents' concerns, will be addressed later when the site plan comes up for approval.

City council members will consider the board's recommendation at a regular meeting May 18 at 4 p.m.

Board members also recommended the city rezone land from medium density residential to commercial for a proposed Food Lion shopping complex. The 74,000-square-foot shopping center would be at State Road 19 and Dead River Road. It would house a grocery store and several other retail outlets.